India, Aug. 12 -- The Himachal Pradesh government has imposed a Widow and Orphan Cess of 60 paise per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel, which came into effect from midnight of August 11. The revenue generated from the revised cess will be used to support welfare of widows and orphaned children.

The State Taxes and Excise Department issued a notification on Tuesday under Section 6-A of the Himachal Pradesh Value Added Tax Act, 2005, authorising the levy at the point of first sale of petrol and high-speed diesel in the state, news agency ANI reported.

The Orphan and Widow Cess will be charged at Rs.0.60 (60 paise) per litre on petrol as well as high-speed diesel as per notification issued with the approval of the Council of Ministers...